Netball · Passing

Bounce pass in pairs

Pairs bounce pass across a short gap, aiming the bounce two-thirds of the way to their partner.

P1P2P3P4
Start / 5
Time
8 min
Players
2–16
Age
U7+
Area
Third of a court
Equipment
8 size 4 netballs8 flat spots or cones

Setup

  1. Players in pairs, 4 m apart, one ball per pair.
  2. A flat spot on the floor two-thirds of the way across shows where the ball should bounce.

How it runs

  1. One partner bounce passes onto the spot; the other catches at waist height.
  2. They catch, land, hold and bounce it back.
  3. After ten good passes, both take one step back.

Coaching points

  • Hold the ball at the chest, thumbs behind it, and push down and forwards.
  • Step towards your partner as you pass.
  • Aim for the spot two-thirds of the way across, not the middle.
  • Catcher: hands low and ready, catch with two hands.

Common mistakes

  • Bouncing too close to the passer so the ball pops up too high.
  • Bouncing too close to the catcher so it hits their feet.
  • Throwing it down too hard to control.

Say it: “Push, bounce, catch.”

Make it harder

  • Add a defender in the middle with arms up, so the bounce pass goes under them.
  • Pass on the move down the court, one bounce pass then one chest pass.

Make it easier

  • Stand 3 m apart.
  • Count the bounces together: 'push, bounce, catch'.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.